If you have an older house or have recently experienced settlement in your home’s foundation, you are most likely a candidate for tuckpointing services. What exactly is tuckpointing, you might wonder? That’s a good question.
Tuckpointing is the technique of filling up brick mortar repair joints missing, cracked, or degraded in masonry walls. During this procedure, the installer removes any damaged mortar that may be present. It then installs new pointing mortar into the loose mortar joint by ‘tucking’ or pushing it into the damaged joint with a ‘tuck pointer or a ‘pointing tool,’ as appropriate. He will also color mix the new pointing mortar to get it as near as feasible to the color of the current pointing mortar. To match the current mortar joint finish, the installer will use various tools to ‘tool’ or finish the new pointing mortar once it has been “tucked” into place.
Doesn’t that sound like an uphill task?
It is, and while the ordinary homeowner may purchase mortar from a home improvement shop and squeeze it into a joint, this can and generally results in a messy or smeared finish. Even while this will seal the mortar from this weather, which is positive, the ugly finish may or might not be adequate for a homeowner, depending on the location and circumstances.
If you want the joint to ‘disappear’ throughout the restoration process, you should consult with a masonry repair specialist that has extensive knowledge in the field. You will want to seek someone knowledgeable and artistic, and capable of matching and blending colors so that the finished mortar color perfectly fits the current mortar color. It’s also essential that he understands when it’s appropriate to “tool” the freshly applied pointing mortar, as well as the precise tooling sequence that results in a smooth final look.
Is there anyone who would require this service?
If you see fractures in your brick, block, or stone, you may require tuckpointing to repair them. If you want to save money, you can handle this brick mortar repair yourself, but you should employ a professional if you’re going to get better results.
When it comes to a seamless repair that ‘disappear, ‘we recommend that you consult with your local masonry repair specialist for an inspection.
